One of the core development initiatives at SJI International is Global Citizenship. Assistant Principal of Elementary School, GRANT SMITH, tells us how integrating it into the school’s curriculum, Virtues Project, service learning and daily life help students grow into global citizens. Plus, a parent and student share how they have benefitted from this concept.
What is Global Citizenship?
Global Citizenship at SJI International focuses on developing compassionate, socially responsible individuals. They celebrate diversity, understand global interconnectedness and take active roles as positive changemakers in their local and global communities.
It aligns naturally with our Lasallian Catholic ethos and values rooted in Faith, Service and Community. These are reflected through the school’s Virtues Project framework.
Why is it important for the school?
We want all SJI International students to respect and value the diversity within our community and beyond. We want them to engage with the world through meaningful service and appreciate our interconnectedness so that they can make a positive difference.
Our educators understand that the work we do on campus has its greatest impact beyond our school walls. Through teaching and learning centred on the pillars of Service and Sustainability, students engage in authentic experiences that empower them to be the change they wish to see.
How is the concept woven into the school’s curriculum and activities?
Global Citizenship is woven into the school’s curriculum and activities in the following key ways:
Structured service learning: In Elementary School, this starts with the CASS (Community, Activity, Sport and Service) Awards. In High School, students actively engage in the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme.
International education and exchange: Students are exposed to diverse cultural, physical and community service experiences outside Singapore. This happens through the International Experience Programme in Year 3 and the Global Education Programme in Year 5.
Cultivating inclusive values and virtues: Through the Virtues Project as well as the Lasallian principles of Faith, Service, Community, Excellence, Respect, the school cultivates a welcoming, multicultural environment where empathy and integrity are practiced daily.
Broad curricular perspectives: By utilising international curricula such as the International Primary Curriculum and the IB Diploma, learning is continuously connected to real-world issues, sustainability and cross-cultural sensitivities.
How else does daily school life integrate the concept?
As a school with an English-Chinese Bilingual Programme, we seek to weave the two cultures together across many of our events. I’ve also enjoyed learning more about Chinese culture through each of our staff and community celebrations.
What’s your favourite event where students, staff and families have come together to promote Global Citizenship?
From concerts and cultural occasions like Lunar New Year or Hari Raya, to Global Citizenship Parent Workshops and our Global Family Day extravaganza, it’s hard to choose a favourite. That said, the Lunar New Year Lion Dance is always an amazing experience!
The biggest event of the year in our school is definitely Global Family Day. I particularly love this event because it brings our entire community together. We celebrate both our host and home countries while creating opportunities to learn from each other.
My favourite part of the day is the Cultural Fair. Organised by our parent community, it transforms the school hall into a vibrant hub of cultural learning where students, parents and staff can explore, share and learn together.
Hear from parents why Global Citizenship is important for them
“We want our daughter to recognise that she’s part of a wider community and has a responsibility to contribute positively to it. For our family, it’s about cultivating empathy, compassion and a commitment to serving others. We hope these values will guide her throughout her life and empower her to make a meaningful difference in the world.
During the Elementary School’s Global Family Day in March, the Assistant Principal Grant led an insightful discussion on Global Citizenship. Earlier that month, the school invited Patrick Green to conduct a series of seminars on healthy digital habits, including Raising Digital Citizens, which explored how the values of global citizenship can be applied responsibly online and on social media.”
– Rich and Mariana, originally from Venezuela with British and Italian citizenship, parents of Sophie in Prep 1
Hear from a student how she spreads Global Citizenship in school life
“At school, we learn how to be good global citizens and how to care for the world. We come together to face different challenges and problems. This might be about sustainability, society, nature or our wellbeing.
My favourite Global Citizenship activity is speaking at assembly on Monday mornings to promote what we do. Each week, we will set a global citizenship challenge, such as ‘Say thank you to someone you don’t usually thank’ or ‘Choose a more sustainable product’.
Through these challenges, we’re sharing how we can be good global citizens. In this way, we encourage others to do the same as global citizens and spread the message.
I really enjoy being part of my Global Citizenship group because it helps me grow as a person. It’s made me care more about the little things I can do, both close to home and globally, to be a better citizen. I hope that many more students join our group and take these lessons with them for the rest of their lives.”
– Iris Cipriano, British/Portuguese/Irish, Grade 5 student
SJI International is at 490 Thomson Road.
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Liked this? Read about the some of the bilingual programme at SJI International here. Then head to our Kids section for ideas on things to do with kids! To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
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